Carl Starfelt has said Celtic aren’t happy with conceding as many goals as they have, but it’s about improving as a team.
Starfelt, brought in from Rubin Kazan this summer [BBC], has borne the brunt of consistent criticism. In an ever-changing set of characters at the back, the Swedish defender’s attributes have been called into question.
With Celtic not conceding many chances, but still giving away goals, the defence has been a source of extreme frustration for supporters. But Starfelt insists it’s an area they’re working on, and not just as one defensive unit.
Starfelt told reporters today [Celtic FC/YouTube]:
“I think when you talk about defence and attack, we speak as a team. We don’t only speak [in terms of] defending line, or the attacking line. We defend together and try to attack together.
“Obviously, we’re not happy with the amount of goals we have conceded, of course. We’re working really hard on it, but we do it as a team, and how the whole team should concede less.
“Also, we haven’t conceded too many chances, but we’ve conceded many goals compared to how many chances we’ve conceded. So, obviously, that’s one part we’re working hard on and hope to improve.”
What a stage for Celtic and Carl Starfelt to improve defensively
It doesn’t get much easier for Starfelt and Celtic. Bayer Leverkusen are up next, powered by an incredible front three of Wirtz, Diaby and Schick. A trio like that would any defence rather nervous.
Yes, there have been defensive frailties this season for Celtic. Opposition teams have found goals out of nothing, and it’s been particularly frustrating given the talent the Bhoys have in this squad.
Against Livingston and Dundee United, the Hoops were undone by chances that really came against the run of play. Despite the intensity on the ball, Celtic seem easily caught cold off it.
Having conceded 4 in their last Europa League outing, an emphatic and raucous home crowd should make a difference. But the Celtic backline really, really need to sharpen up to justify Postecoglou’s attacking approach.
It’s little use scoring if we can’t defend our own goal. And the personnel are certainly capable to do it. Between the experience of Joe Hart, internationals like Taylor, Juranovic and – of course – Starfelt, this defence will surely click into gear at some stage.
And that some stage needs to be soon. Bayer Leverkusen await; can Starfelt and co shut out the Bundesliga giants?
Read more: Exclusive: ESPN, FIFA commentator Derek Rae on what German teams say about Celtic
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